The Giant Gila Monster (1959)

It's unfair to compare it with the big budget movies of today., 2 June 2006

A string of deaths and disappearances on the roadways of a rural Texas town has the sheriff at a loss for an explanation. Trucks and cars seem to be sliding of the road sideways with their drivers nowhere in sight. When the local drunk reports having seen something strange on the road, he is dismissed by the sheriff. But when others report the same mysterious sight, the sheriff can no longer ignore the truth. His town is under attack by a giant lizard the size of a bus.

While I can understand people disliking The Giant Gila Monster, I think it's unfair to compare it with the big budget movies of today. Sure, the special effects are weak, but look what the director had to work with. If you look close, you'll see some talent in the miniatures used in the effects shots. Sure, some of the acting is bad, but look at the performances turned in by Don Sullivan, Fred Graham, and Shug Fisher. I get the distinct impression they were giving it their all regardless of how silly the script must have seemed. Sure, there are a lot of faults you can find in The Giant Gila Monster, but I tend to see a film with a lot of charm made by people who seem to have a love for their craft. Surely that's worth something.

I'm shocked to see that Don Sullivan only made a handful of films. I thought he was by far one of the best things The Giant Gila Monster had going for it. He seemed to be a good looking, decent actor with a nice singing voice. Why didn't he do more?

4/10